In functional electrical stimulation (FES), computer technology sends low-level electrical impulses to activate specific muscles in your legs, arms, hands or other areas. The electrical impulses are sent to the muscles either through surface electrodes on the skin or through electrodes implanted just under the skin. The electrical stimulation can cause your muscles to contract, which may promote increased muscle bulk or muscle control.

Functional electrical stimulation may improve your range of motion, your strength, and the functional use of your hands, arms or legs. FES may help you perform activities such as grasping or holding an item with your hand or moving your arms or legs in a cycle or stepping motion.

Functional electrical stimulation is normally used in combination with other therapy techniques, education and exercise programs. Your therapy goals may include improving how you perform your daily activities and creating a wellness program you can use at home.

Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors and staff have helped thousands of people recover from traumatic spinal cord injuries and nontraumatic spinal disorders using many therapies.

Licensed and experienced therapists with knowledge and training in functional electrical stimulation work with you and provide daily interventions, including making timely and appropriate changes in your program as needed to best meet your needs and help you reach your goals.

Individualized care. Your team will create an individualized treatment plan to meet your needs. Therapists will work with you to determine if functional electrical stimulation may help meet your needs.

The team considers you and your family to be an integral part of the treatment team, and you'll be informed and involved in making decisions and setting treatment goals.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report.

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

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